Vehicle Location Tracking via Wireless Separation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Forgetting where a vehicle is parked in large areas, such as sports stadiums or shopping malls, can be frustrating and unsafe, as existing beacon locators require carrying special items and are not always convenient.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a client device to establish communication with a vehicle processor, recording the vehicle's location upon separation events like loss of Bluetooth or WiFi connection, and presenting a map or instructions to help the user find the vehicle, utilizing GPS or motion sensors for location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If special purpose beacon locators are used, then location tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate because users must carry special devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the vehicle's existing communication system (Bluetooth/WiFi) to serve dual purposes: normal vehicle communication and location tracking. The vehicle processor and communication system are made multi-functional, eliminating the need for separate beacon locators while maintaining accurate location tracking through the vehicle's own infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by having the vehicle's own communication system and processors perform the location tracking function. The vehicle processor automatically detects separation events and records location data without requiring external special purpose devices. The system uses its own resources (communication modules, processors) to achieve the tracking function
2Measurement precision
If special purpose beacon locators are used, then location tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity worsens due to additional hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the vehicle's existing communication system (Bluetooth/WiFi) to serve dual purposes: normal vehicle communication and location tracking. The vehicle processor and communication system are made multi-functional, eliminating the need for separate beacon locators while maintaining accurate location tracking through the vehicle's own infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by having the vehicle's own communication system and processors perform the location tracking function. The vehicle processor automatically detects separation events and records location data without requiring external special purpose devices. The system uses its own resources (communication modules, processors) to achieve the tracking function
3Ease of operation
If automatic location recording is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by having the vehicle's own communication system and processors perform the location tracking function. The vehicle processor automatically detects separation events and records location data without requiring external special purpose devices. The system uses its own resources (communication modules, processors) to achieve the tracking function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by automatically recording the vehicle's location data at the moment of separation event detection. The system performs the location recording action immediately when separation is detected, before the user needs to search for the vehicle, thereby simplifying the user's subsequent task
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to efficiently locate their vehicle by recording and displaying its location relative to their current position, even without network connectivity, thereby addressing the inconvenience and safety concerns of forgetting where a vehicle is parked.
Implementation Method 1
The location of the client device that is presented on the map and/or instructions indicating a location of the vehicle relative may be derived from a GPS sensor in the client device
Implementation Method 2
The location of the client device that is presented on the map and/or instructions indicating a location of the vehicle relative may be derived from WiFi location information
Data Source
AI summary
When a driver leaves a vehicle as indicated by a separation event such as the driver's portable wireless communication device (WCD) losing Bluetooth connectivity with the vehicle, the WCD uploads to a cloud server its GPS location before the driver has been able to walk away from the vehicle an appreciable distance. The location is recorded and the driver subsequently can use its WCD to communicate with the server to obtain map information showing the current location of the WCD and the location recorded at the separation event, so that the driver knows the location of her vehicle relative to her current location.